Former Cub Starlin Castro could be an All-Star again

Starlin Castro was a three-time All-Star during his time with the Cubs.

Let’s be honest: two of those appearances were probably due to the “every team gets a representative” rule. Castro’s 2011 appearance was deserved, the other two not so much.

In American League All-Star voting released Wednesday, look who’s leading at second base!

Not by much, mind you -- only by 536 votes, and over a very good player, Jose Altuve. On the other hand, Castro’s having a very good year, hitting .322/.358/.477 and already worth 1.7 bWAR. And he’s got the big Yankee fanbase voting for him. He might deserve a backup All-Star spot even if he doesn’t get elected the starter.

One other ex-Cub is doing well in early balloting:

Welington Castillo is also off to a good start this year, hitting .317/.339/.467 with four home runs in 120 at-bats. It’s just too bad that the Cubs really got no return value when they traded him (Yoervis Medina, who is out of baseball now).

Good luck to Starlin. I wish him well and am glad he’s having a good year in New York.